FuturistU > Retail > How to be Retail Resilient > Module 4 / 4

Retail Resilient: Many-to-Many

Instructor: Ady Floyd
Brand Engagement
Download the Brand Engagement Trend Report
The retail industry has never seen such a large divide between consumers wanting to shop local and wanting to shop conveniently aka looking at the “Amazon Effect”. This module is designed to help retailers strike a balance between global and local demand. Partnerships have always been a key tool to battle big brand skepticism, and so this module shows retailers how to look for new opportunities all around them, while meeting the needs of shoppers in their own backyards, and beyond.
Related Trend Report: Brand Engagement
Workshop Question:
Consider a partnership with a local business within, or adjacent to, your won industry. What does that look like?
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Featured Insights

Local Gift-Box
Brands are curating gift boxes with artisanal goods from independent businesses
Trend - Brands are launching specially curated and accessibly priced gift boxes that feature products from small businesses and local artisans. These initiatives are not only effective in satisfying a consumer need but also provide relief for independent businesses, impacted during the ongoing pandemic.
Workshop Question - How could your brand accommodate the gifting needs of consumers during a health pandemic?
5.1
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Megatrends
Small Business Gift Boxes
Small Business Gift Boxes
The Happy Box from Ribett Features a Selection of Goods from Local Shops
Shopping rewards app Ribitt has decided to launch a delivery service in an effort to support the many small businesses throughout Toronto that are struggling financially during the pandemic.... MORE
Local Business Gift Boxes
Local Business Gift Boxes
Tourism Abbotsford and Trades Collaborate for Mother's Day
Many well-curated, local business gift boxes have been debuted as a way to satisfy the consumer search for a thoughtful present, as well as offer support for independent businesses during the COVID-... MORE
Local Artisan Gift Boxes
Local Artisan Gift Boxes
The Gift Refinery's Lifestyle Gift Boxes Spotlight Canadian Businesses
The Gift Refinery is a woman-run Canadian company that expertly curates gift boxes that spotlight a selection of full-size and high-quality lifestyle products from local makers and artisans.... MORE
Small Business-Supporting Gift Boxes
Small Business-Supporting Gift Boxes
The Limited-Edition Shot Taker Box Features Five Local Brands
Hornitos Tequila recently teamed up with Bespoke Post to curate The Limited-Edition Shot Taker Box, “a package highlighting five, boundary-pushing small businesses from across the country.&#... MORE
Mother's Day Gift Boxes
Mother's Day Gift Boxes
Rebel Magnolia Offered a Number of Affordable Gift Boxes for the Holiday
The Mother’s Day gift boxes at Saginaw County’s Rebel Magnolia were offered at an accessible price range—the kits retailed between $20 USD and $100 USD. In the boxes, the shop included... MORE

Insights by Trend Hunter AI

Taste Pursuit
Travelers explore local food cultures to shape immersive travel experiences
Trend - Travel brands are building food-led journeys that submerge travelers in local culinary systems through market visits, farm expeditions, chef collaborations, and regional food trails—positioning cuisine as a central lens for discovering place and identity within travel.
Workshop Question - How might your brand transform everyday interactions into more meaningful, culturally rich opportunities?
7
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Local-Led Culinary Experiences
Local-Led Culinary Experiences
Intrepid Offers a Diverse Range of Food Tours for Curious Travelers
A diverse range of food tours offered by Intrepid Travel provides opportunities for meaningful cultural engagement through cuisine. Food plays a significant role in fostering human connection and... MORE
Ten-Day Culture Tours
Ten-Day Culture Tours
Trafalgar's Travel Guide Features Curated Music and Cuisine Destinations
The Tastes and Sounds of the South tour from Trafalgar is a ten day program that traces key cultural, musical, and culinary landmarks across Nashville, Memphis, Natchez, and New Orleans. The... MORE
European Food Tours
European Food Tours
Air Canada Offers Curated Food Tourism Packages and Guides
Air Canada Vacations highlights three European culinary tour packages that combine regional food traditions with guided cultural experiences. The Italy itinerary focuses on pasta making, wine... MORE
Culinary-Focused Travel Experiences
Culinary-Focused Travel Experiences
EF Go Ahead Tours Launches the Food Tours Collection
EF Go Ahead Tours has introduced an expanded portfolio of culinary journeys under the title 'Food Tours.' This culinary adventure-focused collection was developed in collaboration with America's... MORE
Local Loyalty
Hyper Local Commerce shifts toward neighborhood-first shopping
Trend - Consumers are increasingly prioritizing local retailers, regional goods, and community-based shopping experiences. Whether it’s buying from a neighborhood store or choosing products made nearby, there’s growing momentum behind commerce that feels rooted in place. National brands are responding by incorporating local elements into their offerings, partnering with small businesses, highlighting regional sourcing, and localizing store formats, to stay relevant in a shifting retail landscape.
Workshop Question - How might your brand collaborate with local businesses, creators, or communities to build trust and relevance at the neighborhood level?
4.8
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Megatrends
Canadian-Made CPG Brand Campaigns
Canadian-Made CPG Brand Campaigns
Kruger Products Debuts Made by Canadians for Canadians
Kruger Products has launched a new campaign titled 'Made by Canadians for Canadians.' With this initiative, the CPG brand aims to encourage consumers to choose locally manufactured tissue products.... MORE
Canadian-Focused Campaigns
Canadian-Focused Campaigns
Maple Leaf Foods Sparks Pride with Its 'Look for the Leaf’ Campaign
'Look for the Leaf' is more than just a tagline; it’s a movement. Maple Leaf Foods is taking a bold stand in response to U.S. tariffs, urging Canadian consumers to support homegrown brands, even... MORE
Retail Boosting Citywide Initiatives
Retail Boosting Citywide Initiatives
Aberdeen is Bringing Back its 'Shop Aberdeen' Initiative
The Shop Aberdeen initiative, organized by Aberdeen Inspired, is a campaign aimed at revitalizing the city's retail sector by encouraging shoppers to visit the city center. The event features... MORE
Civic-Led Buy Local Campaigns
Civic-Led Buy Local Campaigns
City of Toronto Launches 'Love Local' Campaign to Support Businesses
The City of Toronto has launched the Love Local campaign to bolster small businesses and reinforce Canada’s economic resilience in response to recent U.S. tariffs. Announced by Mayor Olivia Chow... MORE
Blind Box
Collectible trinkets obtained in random chance boxes are gaining popularity
Trend - Collectible brands are rolling out 'blind-boxes,' which are sealed mystery packages featuring limited-edition figurines, trinkets or themed keepsakes. By engineering manufactured scarcity, surprise reveals and social-media unboxing moments, they drive hype, community, and repeat purchases.
Workshop Question - How might we harness the elements of surprise, community building, and shared discovery to create engaging experiences that cater to consumers' desires for excitement and identity expression?
7
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Plush Monster Collectibles
Plush Monster Collectibles
Labubu is a Plush Monster Being Attached to the Bags of Gen Z Shoppers
Labubu is the newest furry plushie taking social media and Gen Z consumers by storm. This furry plushie is characterized by a creepy grin and serrated teeth, allowing consumers to express themselves... MORE
Stylized Collectible Figures
Stylized Collectible Figures
POP MART Launches the 'Arcane: League of Legends Blind Box Series'
POP MART has officially partnered with Riot Games to debut the 'Arcane: League of Legends Blind Box Series,' a stylized collectible figure collection inspired by the acclaimed animated series... MORE
QSR-Backed Collectible Deals
QSR-Backed Collectible Deals
KFC China Introduces a Blind Box Collaboration with POP MART's Dimoo
KFC China has partnered with POP MART to provide customers with blind box toys when purchasing a meal. The collaboration includes seven unique figurines of Dimoo, a POP MART original character, and... MORE
Mystery Toothpaste Boxes
Mystery Toothpaste Boxes
Hismile's Blind Box Toothpaste May Contain an Ultra-Rare Secret Flavor
Hismile, the oral care brand known for continually surprising and delighting a new generation of consumers with unconventionally flavored toothpastes, introduced a Blind Box Toothpaste experience... MORE
Artistic Retail
Retail companies team up with artists for immersive in-person events.
Trend - Retail companies are increasingly collaborating with artists to host in-person events and activations. These initiatives aim to create immersive and engaging experiences that draw consumers to physical retail stores. By integrating art installations, retailers seek to offer unique experiences.
Workshop Question - How can your brand create unique and memorable in-person experiences to attract more customers to physical locations?
6.8
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Megatrends
Illusionary Ice-Hotel Beauty Pop-Ups
Illusionary Ice-Hotel Beauty Pop-Ups
Lancôme Hosted an Exclusive Rose Ice-Hotel Activation
Lancôme Travel Retail Asia Pacific, in collaboration with The Shilla Duty Free Korea, introduced the 'Rose Ice-Hotel' activation at Incheon International Airport. Unveiled on 7 February for... MORE
Artist-Centric Networking Events
Artist-Centric Networking Events
Adidas x SNIPES Unveil The NYC Superstar & Empower Artists
The Adidas x SNIPES collaboration presented a movement celebrating New York City’s creative culture. With the launch of the Adidas 'NYC Superstar,' a bold tribute to the city’s rich tattoo... MORE
Localized Retail Experiences
Localized Retail Experiences
UNIQLO Sherway Blends Japanese Tradition with Toronto Culture
UNIQLO is bringing a fresh take on retail theater to Toronto’s Sherway Gardens, where its fourteenth Greater Toronto Area store will transform shopping into a cultural celebration starting... MORE
Premium Peach Vodkas
Premium Peach Vodkas
Sprinter Launches Single-Flavor Pack in Peach State Celebration
Kylie Jenner's Sprinter brand is expanding its ready-to-drink portfolio with its first single-flavor vodka soda pack. The new Peach Pack responds to consumer demand for the brand's most popular... MORE
Hyperlocal Evolution
Brands strengthen community connections through enhanced physical experiences
Trend - As consumers flock to physical retail spaces, both established and emerging brands are reimagining their local presence through enhanced experiential offerings. This shift extends beyond traditional retail to include direct-to-consumer brands creating innovative physical touchpoints.
Workshop Question - How could your brand create meaningful local connections with or without a permanent retail space?
7.2
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Megatrends
Exclusive Upscale Holiday-Edition Pop-Ups
Exclusive Upscale Holiday-Edition Pop-Ups
The Magical House of Chanel Opens its Doors at Harrods
Chanel Beauté has launched its exclusive pop-up, ‘The Magical House of Chanel,’ at Harrods, which will be open until October 24. This pop-up features a range of experiences, including... MORE
Immersive Fragrance Retail Locations
Immersive Fragrance Retail Locations
The Perfume Shop Experiential Store is Located in Stockport
The Perfume Shop experiential store has been launched by the brand in the UK in Stockport to provide shoppers with an immersive new experience to check out this year. The location is slated to open... MORE
Tranquil Retail Environments
Tranquil Retail Environments
NEOM Wellbeing Has Launched Its First U.S. Storefront in New York
NEOM Wellbeing’s storefront in New York’s West Village marks an important step in its global expansion. The store spans 481 square feet and is designed as a tranquil retreat from the... MORE
In-Store Dating Experiences
In-Store Dating Experiences
IKEA and Breeze Partnered for Valentine's Day Date Experiences
IKEA and Breeze have announced a new partnership in the UK that will provide consumers with a chance to get romantic with a special someone this Valentine's Day. The partnership will see nine... MORE
Culinary Connection
Cookbook stores increasingly operate as community hubs for food enthusiasts
Trend - Cookbook stores now operate as community-centric “third spaces” to help consumers bond over the culinary arts through events like cooking classes and book signings. This speaks to a deepening interest in food as more than sustenance; it is now a means of social engagement and personal expression.
Workshop Question - How can your brand inspire collaboration in unexpected or unconventional spaces?
4.3
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Literary Community Shops
Literary Community Shops
Bold Fork Books Houses an Extensive Collection of Culinary Books
Bold Fork Books, located in Washington, D.C.‘s Mount Pleasant neighborhood, is a community-focused hub dedicated to culinary literature. Specializing in cookbooks and food-related books, the... MORE
Community-Oriented Cookbook Stores
Community-Oriented Cookbook Stores
Foodies Cookbook Shop Acts as a Culinary Hub in Stratford
Chef Corey Reilly, a seasoned culinary professional with a deep passion for vintage and rare cookbooks, turned his longtime hobby into a business when the pandemic disrupted the restaurant industry.... MORE
Community-Centric Brooklyn Bookstores
Community-Centric Brooklyn Bookstores
Archestratus Hosts Events Focused on Food and Friendship
Archestratus, a unique bookstore named after the ancient Sicilian poet and early food writer, has become a celebrated destination for food literature enthusiasts. Founded by Paige Lipari in 2015,... MORE
Philly-Based Cookbook Stores
Philly-Based Cookbook Stores
Binding Agents Opens in the Philadelphia Italian Market
Opening this October in Philadelphia’s Italian Market, Binding Agents, a new 350-square-foot bookstore by Catie Gainor, will offer a warm, community-centered space for book and food enthusiasts... MORE
Supplier Fair
Brands are attending supplier diversity fairs to identify businesses to invest in
Trend - Brands are increasingly attending conferences and fairs that promote businesses from diverse suppliers. These events, which typically feature minority-, women-, veteran-, and LGBTQ+-owned companies, foster relationships between large corporations in search of vendors that meet diversity criteria.
Workshop Question - How can your brand source certain aspects of its product/service from marginalized communities?
3.4
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Megatrends
Diverse Supplier Fairs
Diverse Supplier Fairs
The LADWP Hosts a New Supplier Diversity Fair for Black History Month
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is officially hosting a new Supplier Diversity Fair for Los Angeles businesses looking to invest in underrepresented communities. Featuring a... MORE
Enlightening Supplier-Based Events
Enlightening Supplier-Based Events
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Unveils a Supplier Diversity Event
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is investing in small, diverse businesses by hosting its first Supplier Diversity Conference & Expo at the brand’s dedicated hotel. With over 700 participants... MORE
Diversifying University Supplier Initiatives
Diversifying University Supplier Initiatives
The Supplier Diversity Fair Aims to Support Locals
Stony Brook University’s Office of Procurement held its annual Supplier Diversity Fair in September in alignment with the new school year; attracting exhibitors, faculty, and staff members. This... MORE
Inclusive University Supplier Initiatives
Inclusive University Supplier Initiatives
Penn State is Debuting a Supplier Diversity Trade Fair
Penn State is set to host a Supplier Diversity Trade Fair for businesses located within the university or in its adjacent communities. Participants will have the chance to engage in one-on-one... MORE
AI Kiosk
Smart kiosks that provide recommendations and point-of-sale support are being deployed
Trend - Retailers are deploying in-store kiosks powered by artificial intelligence (AI). These AI kiosks interpret and make recommendations for consumers interacting with them, thus streamlining the retail process. The advent of AI kiosks also reduces the required staff and, thus, costs for retailers.
Workshop Question - How could your brand improve its consumers' experiences by employing artificial intelligence, or other, smart features?
6.8
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Popularity
Activity
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Megatrends
AR Retail Kiosks
AR Retail Kiosks
BIG Digital and DeepAR Bring Mobile & Desktop Try-Ons to Store Settings
Virtual try-on experiences for apparel and accessory products have revolutionized the way consumers shop online, and BIG Digital and DeepAR are bringing immersive experiences to retail settings with... MORE
AI-Powered Payment Systems
AI-Powered Payment Systems
Mashgin Introduces a New AI-Powered Checkout System with Verifone
Mashgin, an innovative leader in artificial intelligence (AI)-based self-checkout systems, is joining forces with Verifone, a global pioneer in payment solutions. The core of this innovation lies... MORE
Intuitive Self-Service Order Kiosks
Intuitive Self-Service Order Kiosks
The GoTab Self-Ordering Kiosks Support Quick Service and More
The GoTab Self-Ordering Kiosks are the latest solution from the hospitality technology brand that’s engineered with an intuitive customer experience in mind to support quick ordering, hybrid... MORE
Self-Service Commerce Kiosks
Self-Service Commerce Kiosks
Cantaloupe Go Brings Buy-and-Go Expereinces to Customers
Cantaloupe Go is a new product line of self-service commerce solutions and it was recently unveiled by Cantaloupe at The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) Show 2023. At the event,... MORE
Automated Hot Food Kiosks
Automated Hot Food Kiosks
Sodexo and Automated Retail Technologies Teamed Up for New Kiosks
Sodexo and Automated Retail Technologies (ART) have teamed up to provide consumers with a quick meal at their leisure that’s easy for them to access at their leisure. The partnership will see... MORE
Accessible Grocery
Grocery delivery platforms now accept electronic benefit transfers
Trend - Electronic Bank Transfer (EBT) is becoming a standard payment method as consumers seek convenient and secure ways to pay for grocery deliveries. This payment method aims to help individuals relying on government assistance programs access essential food items with ease and dignity.
Workshop Question - How does your brand demonstrate attentiveness to the financial well-being of its customer base?
2.5
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Accessible Online Retail Initiatives
Accessible Online Retail Initiatives
Instacart and Walgreens Partnered to Accept SNAP/EBT Online
Instacart and Walgreens have announced a new partnership to support online SNAP/EBT payments online to help consumers in the US who utilize the programs with a way to access items in an even easier... MORE
Online Grocery Equity Initiatives
Online Grocery Equity Initiatives
Broulim’s Fresh Foods Will Start Accepting SNAP Payments Online
Broulim’s Fresh Foods has announced it will start accepting Supplement Nutritional Assistant Program (SNAP) payments online in a bid to help enhance equity for shoppers. Shoppers in Idaho will... MORE
Nutritional Assistance Retail Partnerships
Nutritional Assistance Retail Partnerships
Raley’s and Instacart Partnered for SNAP Recipients
Raley’s and Instacart have announced Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) integration for customers who use the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) to help provide easier access to... MORE
Grocery Delivery Payment Updates
Grocery Delivery Payment Updates
DoorDash Now Accepts SNAP/EBT Online Payments
DoorDash has announced it will continue broadening food access for consumers by offering consumers the option to use SNAP/EBT online payments with a handful of participating retailers. The grocery... MORE
EBT-Supported Grocery Deliveries
EBT-Supported Grocery Deliveries
Amazon Debuts an Unlimited Grocery Delivery Service for EBT Users
Amazon is streamlining its grocery shopping capabilities by launching a new unlimited grocery delivery subscription for Prime customers with an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. As a part of... MORE
Sober Subscription
Brands launch curated subscription services with mocktails & non-alcoholic wine
Trend - Mocktail and sober beverage subscriptions are gaining popularity as more consumers seek alternatives to traditional alcoholic drinks. These subscription services offer curated selections of non-alcoholic beverages, from sophisticated mocktails to wellness-focused drinks, delivered directly to consumers' doors.
Workshop Question - How can your brand develop new offerings that cater to the growing trend of health-conscious consumers seeking sophisticated alternatives to traditional products?
4.6
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Megatrends
Monthly Mocktail Subscriptions
Monthly Mocktail Subscriptions
Raising the Bar Offers Sustainable Mocktail Kits On-Demand
‘Raising the Bar’ is a new monthly subscription box that offers curated non-alcoholic cocktail kits in sustainable packaging. Each month, customers receive a set of ingredients designed... MORE
Mocktail Subscription Boxes
Mocktail Subscription Boxes
Mocktail Club Offers a Subscription Service
Mocktail Club, a renowned and innovative provider of non-alcoholic cocktails, offers a truly unique subscription service passionately designed to deliver premium, flavorful beverages crafted... MORE
Non-Alcoholic Wine Clubs
Non-Alcoholic Wine Clubs
Proxies Offers a Range of Alcohol-Free Wine Packages for Subscription
PROXIES, a premium non-alcoholic wine club, caters to the sober curious, non-drinkers, and wine enthusiasts. Unlike traditional de-alcoholized wines, which often compromise flavor, PROXIES offers a... MORE
Alcohol-Free Subscription Services
Alcohol-Free Subscription Services
Raising the Bar is a Monthly Subscription Beverage Company
Raising the Bar is a company that offers consumers alcohol-alternative beverages on a monthly basis. The zero-proof brand curates a selection of alcohol-free cocktails to create a monthly... MORE
Alcohol-Free Subscription Partnership
Alcohol-Free Subscription Partnership
Kit NA Brewing Partners with HelloFresh for Deliveries
Kit NA Brewing, a leader in the non-alcoholic beer market, is excited to partner with HelloFresh, America’s #1 Meal Kit service, to create the ultimate home dining experience. From May 18th to May... MORE